Make Your Carbon Footprint a Size Smaller

What can you do? Our ozone layer is depleted because we did things to it out of ignorance, recklessness and because the commodities we used on a daily basis grew complicated more quickly than the rate of environmentally-friendly science and green technology.

What does that mean? We have to clean up our own mess. Reducing waste takes time, but it is worth it in the long run.

Start with small changes:
•    walk to work; it is better for your body and saves greenhouse gas emissions
•    pack your own lunch: it is healthier than grabbing a greasy burger, saves energy and saves the landfill from another take-out container
•    switch to reusable plastic containers for sandwiches
•    reduce the time you spend in the car; combine your errands into one trip and try to schedule it before or after rush hour
•    try not to run electrical equipment during peak hours
•    keep your vehicle tuned up and running on clean oil
•    park your vehicle instead of using the drive-through
•    adjust the shifts (business owners) to avoid adding to the existing exhaust fumes in rush hour
•    try telecommuting; computer work can be done at home
•    offer a subsidy to employees willing to take the bus
•    make car pooling part of the office sub-culture
•    hold department meetings on site, try conference calls and use internet-based free live messaging
•    postpone re-fuelling of company vehicles and engine-powered machines to off-hours
•    replace heaters to those that burn less nitrogen oxide

Everyone is responsible for the future of the ozone layer; no one is exempt from living beneath it. Citizens and businesses alike can make a difference with a little planning, some forethought and an active effort. Working together, we can stop the damage and begin to take better care of the earth.
Check www.theleed.com for more energy-saving devices and green building practices.